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Objects of Desire: A Rita Mars Thriller
“Is something wrong, detective?”
He strode into her personal space.
He thinks I killed her popped into Rita’s head.
“Ms. Mars, I’d like to talk to you about Diane Winter.”
It’s August in Baltimore City. Nothing’s hotter - until Rita Mars gets a shocking visit from the police. Her ex-partner is missing and police are relentless in trying to pin her to the disappearance. One cop in particular has made her his crusade to indict. In the meantime, Rita accepts a client who suspects someone is out to destroy the charitable foundation she works for. Rita hires a hacker named Roswell and a cyber game of cat and mouse commences. This is a high-speed chase of a read that will leave you wondering – could it happen here?
He strode into her personal space.
He thinks I killed her popped into Rita’s head.
“Ms. Mars, I’d like to talk to you about Diane Winter.”
It’s August in Baltimore City. Nothing’s hotter - until Rita Mars gets a shocking visit from the police. Her ex-partner is missing and police are relentless in trying to pin her to the disappearance. One cop in particular has made her his crusade to indict. In the meantime, Rita accepts a client who suspects someone is out to destroy the charitable foundation she works for. Rita hires a hacker named Roswell and a cyber game of cat and mouse commences. This is a high-speed chase of a read that will leave you wondering – could it happen here?
372 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 22, 2024
You’ll be tracking two separate cases in this one. And so will the main character, P.I. Rita Mars. There’s the messy breakup with her former partner, Diane, who is now a missing person, and the circumstances of that split put Rita on the suspect list. And then there’s the financial hanky panky being played out in another arena.
Well, I sure did have to put on my sleuthing hat and use the old brain pan to sift through all the false leads and kind of zero in on some guilty parties. That was fun. As was getting to know Rita and her background. She had so much on her plate in her personal life and she did a bang up job of managing her team. The author did such a good job of showing me Rita and filling me in on her past that I forgot this wasn’t even the first book in the series. It was that easy to settle in with the characters and become friends.
There’s lots of mystery for you fans of the genre and some comedy to lighten things up. I’m planning on going back to read the beginning of the series and hope to read more as it continues.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Well, I sure did have to put on my sleuthing hat and use the old brain pan to sift through all the false leads and kind of zero in on some guilty parties. That was fun. As was getting to know Rita and her background. She had so much on her plate in her personal life and she did a bang up job of managing her team. The author did such a good job of showing me Rita and filling me in on her past that I forgot this wasn’t even the first book in the series. It was that easy to settle in with the characters and become friends.
There’s lots of mystery for you fans of the genre and some comedy to lighten things up. I’m planning on going back to read the beginning of the series and hope to read more as it continues.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
February 11, 2024
Objects of Desire is a PI Mystery. Two years ago, PI Rita Mars broke up with Diane Winter. It was loud and messy end to their relationship. Now Diane is missing and the note left behind points in Rita’s direction. Juggling a case of corporate embezzlement, Diane’s disappearance, and a mother with early dementia means Rita has to do a lot of juggling to keep the balls in the air and her butt out of jail.
Bottom line: Objects of Desire is for you if you like mysteries without murder, female-centric plots, and clean storytelling.
Strengths of the story. The second in the Rita Mars thriller series, Objects of Desire is listed as an LGBTQ+ Mystery and Women’s Detective Fiction on Amazon. I do agree with the genres of mystery and detective fiction, moreso than thriller. Rita runs her own PI agency and juggles two cases, keeping both stories moving forward. While there were implied threats to Rita from the police investigation, this was a subplot, which placed the mysteries front and center.
The characters of Rita, her assistant Beverly Hills, her best friend Mary Margaret Smooth, and IT wizard Roswell were comfortable in their roles, which reflected this being the second book in the series. Rita was a PI who relied on her team to extend her reach and resources. As compared to other PI characters, she runs a team and uses them to their strengths. The characters were both likable and interesting. Rita’s mother played the role of the comic relief with her sugar and Oreo obsession.
I have not read the first Rita Mars story but had no problem reading Objects of Desire. Webster did a nice job of giving new readers the information needed to jump into Rita’s world.
Webster’s storytelling style is clean, without cursing, sex, or on-stage violence. There is the implication and threat of violence but not actual depiction of, which makes this a great choice for readers who prefer classic mystery styles of Miss Jane Marple, Nero Wolfe, and others. On the spectrum of cozy to hard boiled, this is closer to the cozy end.
The financial mystery was well developed. While Rita developed the theories, the technical nature of the crimes meant that Roswell did more of the leg work than Rita. This worked to keep the story progressing while Rita worked on Diane’s case.
The kidnapping mystery was a straighter story. The biggest challenge here is there was nothing for Rita or the cops to start from. Rita had to return to PI gumshoe roots, working through all of Diane’s friends, acquaintances, and other exes to get to a clue that led somewhere.
This mystery is categorized as LGBTQ+ with the majority of the main characters being gay. Rita Mars and OBJECTS OF DESIRE stands as a solid mystery because of the plot, not because of the characters’ enduring attraction to the same sex. While being gay is central to Rita’s identity, much as being from Belgium was central to Poirot, it has no bearing on her capability as a PI. If you are a reader looking for a lead from the LGBTQ+ community, read Rita Mars. If you are a reader looking for a clean mystery with an intelligent PI, read Rita Mars.
Where the story fell short of ideal. Considering OBJECTS OF DESIRE as a mystery, there was a lot to like, as already mentioned, but I had a few minor items. I did think that the urgency of finding Diane was undermined by both the financial case and Rita’s mother, at times slowing down the pacing of the storytelling. The evidence in the financial case evolved consistently where Diane’s case turned when Rita latched on to a single comment during an interview. The smoothness of the former heightened the abruptness of the latter for me. Finally, I struggled with Rita’s actions in the ending being consistent with her approach and decision making throughout the book. None of these affected the overall logic of the storylines or appeal of the characters.
Bottom line: Objects of Desire is for you if you like mysteries without murder, female-centric plots, and clean storytelling.
Strengths of the story. The second in the Rita Mars thriller series, Objects of Desire is listed as an LGBTQ+ Mystery and Women’s Detective Fiction on Amazon. I do agree with the genres of mystery and detective fiction, moreso than thriller. Rita runs her own PI agency and juggles two cases, keeping both stories moving forward. While there were implied threats to Rita from the police investigation, this was a subplot, which placed the mysteries front and center.
The characters of Rita, her assistant Beverly Hills, her best friend Mary Margaret Smooth, and IT wizard Roswell were comfortable in their roles, which reflected this being the second book in the series. Rita was a PI who relied on her team to extend her reach and resources. As compared to other PI characters, she runs a team and uses them to their strengths. The characters were both likable and interesting. Rita’s mother played the role of the comic relief with her sugar and Oreo obsession.
I have not read the first Rita Mars story but had no problem reading Objects of Desire. Webster did a nice job of giving new readers the information needed to jump into Rita’s world.
Webster’s storytelling style is clean, without cursing, sex, or on-stage violence. There is the implication and threat of violence but not actual depiction of, which makes this a great choice for readers who prefer classic mystery styles of Miss Jane Marple, Nero Wolfe, and others. On the spectrum of cozy to hard boiled, this is closer to the cozy end.
The financial mystery was well developed. While Rita developed the theories, the technical nature of the crimes meant that Roswell did more of the leg work than Rita. This worked to keep the story progressing while Rita worked on Diane’s case.
The kidnapping mystery was a straighter story. The biggest challenge here is there was nothing for Rita or the cops to start from. Rita had to return to PI gumshoe roots, working through all of Diane’s friends, acquaintances, and other exes to get to a clue that led somewhere.
This mystery is categorized as LGBTQ+ with the majority of the main characters being gay. Rita Mars and OBJECTS OF DESIRE stands as a solid mystery because of the plot, not because of the characters’ enduring attraction to the same sex. While being gay is central to Rita’s identity, much as being from Belgium was central to Poirot, it has no bearing on her capability as a PI. If you are a reader looking for a lead from the LGBTQ+ community, read Rita Mars. If you are a reader looking for a clean mystery with an intelligent PI, read Rita Mars.
Where the story fell short of ideal. Considering OBJECTS OF DESIRE as a mystery, there was a lot to like, as already mentioned, but I had a few minor items. I did think that the urgency of finding Diane was undermined by both the financial case and Rita’s mother, at times slowing down the pacing of the storytelling. The evidence in the financial case evolved consistently where Diane’s case turned when Rita latched on to a single comment during an interview. The smoothness of the former heightened the abruptness of the latter for me. Finally, I struggled with Rita’s actions in the ending being consistent with her approach and decision making throughout the book. None of these affected the overall logic of the storylines or appeal of the characters.
March 24, 2024
“Is something wrong, detective?”
He strode into her personal space.
He thinks I killed her popped into Rita’s head.
“Ms. Mars, I’d like to talk to you about Diane Winter.”
Objects of Desire by Valerie Webster is the second book in the Rita Mars Thriller mystery series. I did read the first one, Driven and enjoyed it, so I wanted to read this book. I was familiar with the characters; Rita is a very determined and strong woman and a PI. She is asked to help solve a financial crime as well as a missing person crime. She was an ex investigated reporter.
In the financial crime Rita is to investigate in missing funds from a charity. What is interesting about this mystery is that the missing person is ex-partner. Each chapter features Rita and Diane and her captor. it is a treat to get to know the abductor, but more important to the story learning more about Diana her relationship with Rita. With each chapter that involves both people, the reader learns a bit more about the victim and her abductor.
It does make the abductor clear as to what he/she wants from Diana. Can't tell you that because it would ruin things for the readers. I like to be kept in suspense rather than know what happens in a book.
Rita is knowledgeable about surveillance, which helps her in trying to find Diana. She is well schooled in forensics. These attributes further help Rita in finding out where Diana is and why was she abducted in the first place. Because Rita and Diana's split, Rita becomes a suspect in the case. So, in light of that she still keeps investigating her case because she needs to find her friend at all costs.
I really liked Rita, but I especially liked her mother, who at times was very versed on things but a bit ditsy at the same time. She does like sugar and Oreos. She is kind of a busy body also truly wants to help Rita find Diana.
In the financial crime part of the story, Rita is hired to keep someone from ruining a trusted charity from being destroyed. This is where a lot of her expertise lies, in this case she is kind of undercover to find out who the culprit is. Her best friend Mary Margaret Smooth, and IT wizard Roswell are part of her team to see what they can find out who took the missing funds.
Each character, even the nasty cop who wants to pin both crimes on Rita. As the story goes on the reader learns a lot more about Rita, her mother and even Diana. This book is character driven, which was great. I especially liked the addition of Rita's mother. A formidable and feisty lady who does not mince words. She tells it as she sees it.
Easy to read, without all the wordy stuff that can bog down the story. Ms. Webster is a wonderful author, very knowledgeable in what she writes as far as the police part of the story.
I enjoyed Driven so I knew that I would like this one. I like stories about strong women. Told in a way that the reader can understand just what is going on in the book. I am giving this book a five star, mainly how the author did a great job in her research in every aspect of the story.
A book worthy of 5 star's. I hope that this series continues. I voluntarily read and reviewed this eBook.
I obtained the book from Partners in Crime tours and was not monetarily compensated for the review.
March 8, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Characters:
In "Objects of Desire" by Valerie Webster, readers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters embroiled in a gripping tale of mystery and suspense.
Rita Mars emerges as the enigmatic protagonist whose life takes a tumultuous turn when her ex-partner goes missing. Rita's complex personality and unwavering determination make her a compelling character, as she navigates the treacherous landscape of Baltimore City while grappling with accusations and suspicions that threaten to unravel her world.
Detective Diane Winter, Rita's ex-partner, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative as her disappearance sets off a chain of events that unravels long-buried secrets and hidden agendas. As Rita delves deeper into the investigation, she must confront her complicated history with Diane while untangling a web of lies and deception.
Supporting characters, including the relentless police officers and Rita's client with suspicions about her charitable foundation, contribute to the story's depth and complexity. Each character brings their own motivations and conflicts to the forefront, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Plot:
"Objects of Desire" unfolds as a thrilling mystery set against the backdrop of Baltimore City's steamy August heat. Rita Mars finds herself at the center of a high-stakes investigation when her ex-partner, Detective Diane Winter, goes missing under suspicious circumstances.
As Rita grapples with the relentless scrutiny of the police and the mounting pressure to clear her name, she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind Diane's disappearance. With the help of a skilled hacker named Roswell, Rita dives headfirst into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where every clue brings her closer to the heart of a sinister conspiracy.
As the stakes escalate and the danger mounts, Rita must confront her own demons and navigate a maze of lies and deception to unravel the mystery that threatens to consume her. Along the way, she discovers unexpected allies and faces betrayal from those she once trusted, leading to a thrilling climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
With its fast-paced narrative and unpredictable twists, "Objects of Desire" is a high-speed chase of a read that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Valerie Webster masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and drama to create a gripping mystery that will leave readers wondering: could it happen here?
Conclusion:
"Objects of Desire" by Valerie Webster is a pulse-pounding mystery thriller that grips readers from the first page to the last. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, the novel delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride that will satisfy fans of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned mystery enthusiast or new to the genre, "Objects of Desire" is sure to keep you guessing and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in Rita Mars's thrilling saga.
Characters:
In "Objects of Desire" by Valerie Webster, readers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters embroiled in a gripping tale of mystery and suspense.
Rita Mars emerges as the enigmatic protagonist whose life takes a tumultuous turn when her ex-partner goes missing. Rita's complex personality and unwavering determination make her a compelling character, as she navigates the treacherous landscape of Baltimore City while grappling with accusations and suspicions that threaten to unravel her world.
Detective Diane Winter, Rita's ex-partner, adds layers of intrigue to the narrative as her disappearance sets off a chain of events that unravels long-buried secrets and hidden agendas. As Rita delves deeper into the investigation, she must confront her complicated history with Diane while untangling a web of lies and deception.
Supporting characters, including the relentless police officers and Rita's client with suspicions about her charitable foundation, contribute to the story's depth and complexity. Each character brings their own motivations and conflicts to the forefront, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Plot:
"Objects of Desire" unfolds as a thrilling mystery set against the backdrop of Baltimore City's steamy August heat. Rita Mars finds herself at the center of a high-stakes investigation when her ex-partner, Detective Diane Winter, goes missing under suspicious circumstances.
As Rita grapples with the relentless scrutiny of the police and the mounting pressure to clear her name, she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind Diane's disappearance. With the help of a skilled hacker named Roswell, Rita dives headfirst into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where every clue brings her closer to the heart of a sinister conspiracy.
As the stakes escalate and the danger mounts, Rita must confront her own demons and navigate a maze of lies and deception to unravel the mystery that threatens to consume her. Along the way, she discovers unexpected allies and faces betrayal from those she once trusted, leading to a thrilling climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
With its fast-paced narrative and unpredictable twists, "Objects of Desire" is a high-speed chase of a read that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Valerie Webster masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and drama to create a gripping mystery that will leave readers wondering: could it happen here?
Conclusion:
"Objects of Desire" by Valerie Webster is a pulse-pounding mystery thriller that grips readers from the first page to the last. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, the novel delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride that will satisfy fans of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned mystery enthusiast or new to the genre, "Objects of Desire" is sure to keep you guessing and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in Rita Mars's thrilling saga.
March 14, 2024
MY THOUGHTS -
I really liked this one! I did not read the first book - Driven, while I did feel like I missed a little of the backstory... I had no trouble reading this one at all! It was very easy to follow along and get to know the characters.
Two mysteries going on at the same time. Rita, the main character (loved her BTW) finds out that her ex is missing. She is also hired to look into some missing funds at a Charity organization. ALSO... we get a few chapters of Diane, the missing ex, with her abductor! These were the chapters I liked the best. I love it when an author gives us an inside view. Of course we have no idea who her abductor is until later in the story.
The missing Diane was definitely my favorite of the two "cases". I actually would have loved a whole book just about that! I was really interested and invested in that. I didn't really get into the other one until well into the book. Then it did start getting more interesting.
There was a bit of action and some exciting parts. I thought the whole book was written very well. I liked the characters especially Rita! I think I would definitely read another book about her!
*** If you are concerned... the cover and even the title are very deceiving! The book is not like that at all! This is actually a very clean book!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
I really liked this one! I did not read the first book - Driven, while I did feel like I missed a little of the backstory... I had no trouble reading this one at all! It was very easy to follow along and get to know the characters.
Two mysteries going on at the same time. Rita, the main character (loved her BTW) finds out that her ex is missing. She is also hired to look into some missing funds at a Charity organization. ALSO... we get a few chapters of Diane, the missing ex, with her abductor! These were the chapters I liked the best. I love it when an author gives us an inside view. Of course we have no idea who her abductor is until later in the story.
The missing Diane was definitely my favorite of the two "cases". I actually would have loved a whole book just about that! I was really interested and invested in that. I didn't really get into the other one until well into the book. Then it did start getting more interesting.
There was a bit of action and some exciting parts. I thought the whole book was written very well. I liked the characters especially Rita! I think I would definitely read another book about her!
*** If you are concerned... the cover and even the title are very deceiving! The book is not like that at all! This is actually a very clean book!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
March 20, 2024
I did read “Driven” the first book in the Rita Mars series. I think this helped me excitedly to jump right into this one. The first book created that connection for me. Both are pretty thick books but are also quick reads. The author made the two books flow together very easily. Yes, there is LGTBQ throughout the book but it is used as a character builder for Rita. The cover of this book is misleading. I almost did not pick it up to read because the cover, to me, reminded me of erotica book covers. DO NOT LET THIS DETER you. The protagonist Rita, is a very strong female, and a very likeable character. As you read the book, you realize there are two storylines here. I think I would have enjoyed the 2nd storyline better had they each been their own book. I think I would have given both a 5 ⭐️ if they had been. Both books can be read as standalones, but I urge you read Driven first. At the end of this book, there are the first two chapters of Driven. All in all, the author did write two very interesting plots! Looking forward to hopelfully #3 in the series.
Thank you to #partnersincrimebooktour for my review copy. This opinion is solely my own.
Thank you to #partnersincrimebooktour for my review copy. This opinion is solely my own.
March 17, 2024
The author brings us the readers a great story with a strong female MC character. Rita is a woman who owns her own PI investigations firm and she is doing two cases at once. The author did a great job of filling the new readers into the story and explained the story to us.
As a mystery reader we get a clean mystery with no bad things in it, which I really liked. Rita is written as a LGBTQ+ character and it is central to her character y'all, so just a heads up if that is something that may offend or cause a trigger for reading this one.
I really liked Rita, she seems like a really Intelligent woman and she was reminiscent of Hercule Piriot.
As a mystery reader we get a clean mystery with no bad things in it, which I really liked. Rita is written as a LGBTQ+ character and it is central to her character y'all, so just a heads up if that is something that may offend or cause a trigger for reading this one.
I really liked Rita, she seems like a really Intelligent woman and she was reminiscent of Hercule Piriot.
February 19, 2024
What an interesting book! Rita Mars is such a well-developed character that you just feel like you’ve always been in her head as you follow her through her life and investigation.
This is the second book in the Rita Mars Thriller series, but I love that I was able to jump in and start reading without any questions or ever wondering what was going on. And I have to admit there are some standalone novels that I’ve been confused at the onset. It was because of her first book and the amazing reviews it got that I chose to read Objects of Desire.
This is the second book in the Rita Mars Thriller series, but I love that I was able to jump in and start reading without any questions or ever wondering what was going on. And I have to admit there are some standalone novels that I’ve been confused at the onset. It was because of her first book and the amazing reviews it got that I chose to read Objects of Desire.
March 20, 2024
The writing is gripping. This is a fast paced mystery thriller. The author has portrayed the emotions of each character so well. The revelation at the end was jaw dropping.
Diane Winter disappears. Police investigates the case and try to find the clues leading to her disappearance. Rita is trying to find Diane and she must unveil the mystery of charitable foundation too. So many unthinkable things happens in the plot and the game of cat and mouse kept me on the edge. I wasn’t expecting that ending but the book kept me hooked till the end.
Many Thanks to the Author
Diane Winter disappears. Police investigates the case and try to find the clues leading to her disappearance. Rita is trying to find Diane and she must unveil the mystery of charitable foundation too. So many unthinkable things happens in the plot and the game of cat and mouse kept me on the edge. I wasn’t expecting that ending but the book kept me hooked till the end.
Many Thanks to the Author
April 11, 2024
Rita Mars is one of my favorite sleuths, and "Objects of Desire" is every bit as great a read as "Driven" was. Looking forward to the next book!
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